Virgin is Lordes most ambitious project in years - backed by more PR than I’ve seen the pop icon have in a long... time. The album opens with her single, “Hammer,” where she explores being the metaphorical nail in her story. The single is as confusing as the album itself, in that it doesn’t seem to pick a direction one way or another. The metaphorical Olympics is the only consistent thing in this album as the production seems to lose itself in mediocrity. What bothers me about Virgin is its lack of intention. While I applaud the artist for exploring themes of gender expression, evolving sexuality, and self worth, I struggle to find anything more to really appreciate about this album. show more
On “Virgin,” Lorde takes us on a quest to become reborn and to have a new reality. These songs are personal, direct, and... brief. The quickness of the album allows us to not linger too much on what was in order to be in the present. This applies to her as well as to the listener. The desire to be free can be heard on “Hammer” with “I'm ready to feel like I don't have the answers / There's peace in the madness over our heads” and after saying everything that she has been on “Shapeshifter,” she sings “tonight, I just want to fall.” Coming to terms with yourself and finding freedom doesn’t have a singular, easy path, which Lorde acknowledges on “Favorite Daughter” with “Some notes I don't hit, but I don't give up” and “Panic attack just to be your favourite daughter.”
On “Current Affairs,” Lorde asks “Would you dive to the ocean floor just to take my pearl?” This could be interpreted in multiple ways, but to me, this pearl is her essence and is pondering if the you in question would go through the effort to take that from her. On “Broken Glass,” Lorde speaks to herself and reminds herself that what she is facing and feeling won’t last: “I wanna punch the mirror to make her see that this won't last / It might be months of bad luck / But what if it's just broken glass?” This also is a reminder that sometimes things just are and there’s nothing else such as meaning or purpose attached to something.
To me, the album highlight is its closer (“David”) as it has a lot of emotion, some intense moments near the end of the track with the production, and quality lyrics. It shows maturity and growth, too. She asks
“Why do we run to the ones we do?" And states “I don't belong to anyone” while also coming to terms with how she used to be with her significant other: “I made you God 'cause it was all that I knew how to do, I don't belong to anyone.”
Thank you, Lorde, for making an album like this that is very personal to you and for adding to your amazing collection of music. I look forward to how this era unfolds and what comes next.
Hammer - 10
What Was That - 10
Shapeshifter - 9
Man Of The Year - 10
Favourite Daughter - 9
Current Affairs - 8
Clearblue - 8
GRWM - 8
Broken Glass - 9
if She Could See Me Now - 8
David - 10
99/110 90/ show more
